Representing the 3rd District of Kansas

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Bill Passed House Unanimously, Heads to President’s Desk for Signature

Washington, DC – Last night, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act, which honors Bob Dole’s service to the United States in the military and in Congress by awarding him a Congressional Gold Medal. The bill was introduced by Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Representative Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), and the rest of the Kansas Delegation joined as original cosponsors. It now heads to the President’s desk for signature into law. During debate on the bill, Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) spoke on the floor of the House in support.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 3332, a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Senator Bob Dole.

“Service. Sacrifice. Statesmanship. These are the words that describe Senator Bob Dole, one of Kansas's proudest sons and one of the greatest men to ever serve in Congress.

“Born and raised in Russell, Kansas, Senator Dole attended the University of Kansas where he excelled as a three-sport varsity athlete for the Jayhawks. His college career was interrupted by World War II, when he answered his country’s call and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He would distinguish himself in the service, earning several decorations and becoming seriously wounded in combat in Italy. Although those wounds would cause a lifelong disability for him, Senator Dole did not shy away from the challenges they presented. He instead used that personal experience to help others – becoming a fierce advocate for disability rights and the father of the Americans with Disability Act.

“His career in public services spanned over 45 years, beginning with his election to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1951 and ending with his presidential campaign and retirement from the Senate in 1996. His legislative and political accomplishments during this time are almost too many to count. His top priority has always been service to others, whether it is people with disabilities, Kansas farmers, or his fellow veterans. Senator Dole has always put his country ahead of himself, and he stayed grounded in his strong Kansas roots.

“I can think of no one more fitting to be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal. As a Member of the Kansas delegation, I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of Senator Dole by serving our great state and our great country in Congress. He is an inspiration to me, and an enduring example of what statesmanship and public service should look like. I ask my colleagues in the House to support this bill and to join me in working daily to uphold Senator Bob Dole’s legacy of service and civility in Congress.”